Selby cruises into second round at Crucible

Updated: Thursday, 21 Apr 2011 16:45

Mark Selby - Made short work of his first round encounter with Jimmy Robertson

Mark Selby sealed a 10-1 first-round win over Crucible rookie Jimmy Robertson this afternoon at the Betfred.com World Championship.

The Leicester potter preyed on mistakes from his opponent throughout and without having to play at his best was able to record a crushing victory.

Robertson took the opening frame of the match yesterday but then offered little resistance as Selby, strongly backed for the title this year, cruised through to a match against Stephen Hendry in the last 16.

Robertson beat the 1997 world champion Ken Doherty in the final round of the qualifying tournament.

But against Selby he failed to show the form which saw off Doherty, as his first Crucible visit came to an abrupt halt.

Selby said: 'I didn't perform brilliantly but unfortunately for Jimmy, I think the occasion seemed to get the better of him.

'He started off brilliantly in the first frame but after that he seemed to fade away.

'It's unfortunate for him because it's everybody's dream to play at the Crucible and he didn't really show what he was capable of, but I'm sure he'll be back.

'As far as my performance is concerned, I'm just happy to be in the next round.

'I need to up that if I want to go on and challenge for the title.'

As for facing seven-time former champion Hendry, Selby said: 'It's a tough draw. It's like Stephen's second home, the Crucible.'

But Selby beat Hendry 13-5 in the second round last year, so the Scot does not intimidate the 27-year-old.

Selby said: 'I played to a good standard last year so if I up my game I've got a good chance. I'm sure it'll be a great match.'

Robertson plans to buy a Ford Focus car with the £12,000 cheque he pockets as a first-round loser, by far his biggest reward as a professional.